It's been several years since I complained about the BMW ESA suspension on my '05 R1200RT, with a grand total of 16,800 miles on the odometer. Due to several health issues including 3 surgeries to my right wrist (from a klutz fall), a surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff (another klutz fall) and a totally unexpected right hip replacement last August, I haven't gotten much riding in. Now that I can, and do, ride again it seems like those shocks are worse than ever. The bike rides like it has 100 lbs in the tires, even on 1 up comfort setting. I can't really tell much difference on any setting. Back in '08 the entire suspension was upgraded to the newer ('07 onward) type. Still not much difference, at all. Am I the only one out there having this problem? I love the bike! I hate the suspension. With all of my medical bills right now, I can't afford to step up to Wilber's for a while. Just thought I'd throw this out there. It's so frustrating.

I've seen ads from a number of people on this forum who have upgraded their stock non-esa shocks with Wilbers, or ?, and the removed shocks appeared in the classified section for super good prices.Place a WANT ad there and maybe someone has a stock non-esa set laying around the shop.Good luck!

Kenny, glad you're back on the road! To me, ESA was an expensive gimmick to cover up really cheap shocks that BMW put on their bikes. The latest RT ESA doesn't seem improved any, from my test rides. I pulled mine off at 1500 mi (bought the bike used) and installed Ohlins. Made it a different bike, controlled over rough patches, rides smooth with any load, and it tracks on a rail. Now Ohlins makes an ESA version - for about $3500 -- but just get any good brand shocks for $1600 and forget the ESA toy.

1812.. Did you used to ride/race dirt-bikes? I say this cause this upper body is a dirt bike position, loads of lean, bike underneath you.

In the street...If your head was at least over the inside fork tube and preferably at least with the inside line of the windshield you bike would LEAN much less through these corners.. cleaner, faster. You would have far less lean, far less lateral forces...

I went with ESA for my bike as I was hoping for better quality than the standard equipment shocks. I don't doubt that Ohlins are a good investment, but my ESA's seem to work well enough for now. I am now worried about my riding position.

Last edited by sardineone; 02/26/1203:09 PM.

You are what you have ridden!-------------------------------------------------George MartinR1200ST(ESA equipped)